This research examines how the competitive and time-sensitive nature of the TIGER funding program—especially the first year—interacted with regional planning processes. It will identify whether applicant projects were advanced by agencies primarily outside the coordinated regional planning process and under what conditions. Findings will help practitioners and policy makers understand how the design of funding programs and regional institutional context can present challenges for multi-agency decision-making.

Project Objectives:
This research examines how the competitive and time-sensitive nature of the TIGER funding program—especially the first year—interacted with regional planning processes. It will identify whether applicant projects were advanced by agencies primarily outside the coordinated regional planning process and under what conditions. Analysis will assist practitioners and policy makers understand institutional contexts and under what circumstances federal program design supports or undermines regional collaboration. For researchers, the study will illuminate institutional relationships within regions, across government levels, and whether federal funds enhance the influence of regional planning.

Task Descriptions:Task 1: Literature Review

Task 2: Data Collection & Analysis of TIGER (I) Awards

Task 3: Case Study Interviews

Task 4: Survey

Task 5: Final Analysis & Report

Implementation of Research Outcomes:Transportation benefits and economic stimulus were behind the creation of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program in 2009. New transportation funding programs exist in a landscape of other programs, and in addition extensive federal rules require that state-designated metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) lead regional transportation planning and produce near and long-range plans. This report examines the potential for the TIGER program to conflict with these mandated planning processes.

Impacts/Benefits of Implementation:The findings of this research raise important questions for debates on how to best allocate federal funds, especially for transportation. Additionally, the related publication for Public Works Management and Policy will reach public administration scholars and practitioners with implications for the design and implementation of federal programs.